Pontiac Headers Exhaust Manifolds – Tubular Entanglement!

Pontiac Head Port Matching For Maximum Performance

While it is very common to port match an intake manifold to a set of cylinder heads to ensure that there is proper port alignment so that the air /fuel mixture can enter the intake side of the head without restriction, much less has been discussed about the flow of exhaust out of the head and into the exhaust headers. The difference between a vehicle that runs well, versus one that runs circles around similar vehicles, often comes down to the details and the level of attention that the enthusiast applies toward maximizing performance and efficiency. This particularly applies to the exhaust side of the performance equation. A high-flow exhaust system starts at the exit of the cylinder head, and port-matching a set of headers is highly recommended to maximize performance.

Never assume that a set of headers will align properly with the cylinder head of your choice. Unless the header manufacturer is using header flanges that have been cut on a CNC or water-jet machine, be wary of the port alignment. The majority of header flanges are die-stamped out of mild steel. As the die accumulates more stamping time, the header flange will begin to lose precision. The same manufacturer’s part number may have perfect alignment at the beginning of its life cycle and poor alignment by the time the die is replaced.

Steve DuSold of DuSold Enterprises states, “Port matching of exhaust manifolds and headers is an old racer’s trick and should be the first thing done before other exhaust components are installed. Any material on the header that restricts the flow of exhaust from the head will have a detrimental effect on torque and horsepower output. It doesn’t matter if the headers are very expensive ‘premium’ brands or less expensive alternatives, each header should be checked against a cylinder-head template and repaired according to the port-mismatches found, to maximize performance. To ensure a leak-free fit and optimize the flow of exhaust out of the head and into the header, the header must have port openings that are larger than the cylinder-head port; don’t port match a cylinder head to an exhaust-manifold gasket.”

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Follow along as we show you how to create a cylinder-head exhaust-port template, and then perform the most common port-matching repair procedures on headers. Depending on your level of skill and access to tools, you can follow the steps outlined and have peace of mind that you’ve eliminated an exhaust restriction.

Header And Header-Port Matching Tips
Always verify that the template you created for a single head lines up properly with the opposing side’s cylinder head before beginning repairs on the “other” header.

Before brazing or welding can begin, the area to be repaired has to be free of any surface contaminants.

An MAPP gas torch can be used to braze, but use a 1/16-inch pre-fluxed brass rod, since the MAPP gas is cooler than a traditional oxygen/acetylene torch.

A MIG welder with 0.025-0.035 wire is the fastest and easiest way to weld a bead around the header tube-to-flange junction. A 110-volt MIG welder will work on 5/16-inch flanges, while a 220-volt welder may be required for thicker 3/8-inch flanges.

An oxygen propylene (propane) torch kit is capable of welding around the header tube-to-flange junction, but much like the 110-volt MIG welder, thicker 3/8-inch header flanges may pose a problem.

Welding and brazing brass are skills that are developed over time with practice. For beginners, practice on expendable parts.

For frequent header-port matching repairs, strongly consider using a junk cylinder head and having a machine shop slice off approximately 1 inch from the exhaust side. Paint or powdercoat the head slice white to allow a good contrast to the exhaust header that you are working on.

Pontiac exhaust manifolds, including the log-style and high-performance ones, such as the Ram Air III or long-branch, generally have excellent port matches from the factory.

Custom headers generally have 3/8- or 1/2-inch header-flange thickness and are CNC machined from 1018 cold rolled steel or 304 stainless steel. If you are having custom headers manufactured, ask the manufacturer about the flange construction and provide them with a cylinder-head exhaust template, so it is clear from the outset that you want perfect head-to-header port alignment.

Stainless-steel flanges and headers can be repaired using the same procedures outlined in the article. However, stainless brazing and welding is best left to a professional, as it takes years to acquire the skills to successfully perform the repairs.

Conclusion
According to Steve DuSold, “Even the most expensive production headers can have mismatch problems with the cylinder head. I commonly see better port alignment on the premium headers, but not always.

“In addition to port alignment, you have to make sure that the header flange is level. Mild deviations in port alignment and flange straightness are to be expected, but major problems are time-consuming and expensive to correct. As the number of issues that a header has with port-alignment grows, so too does the adverse effect on performance. Perfectly aligned headers may only pick up 5-10 hp over non-aligned headers, but a set of headers with issues like those demonstrated could cost you 20-30 hp.

“If you blow out header gaskets on a regular basis, it usually isn’t the fault of the gasket or installation, but rather a poorly aligned header tube.”

All headers are not created equal, so if you have port-alignment issues and the repair is anything more than a few quick minutes with a grinder, make a determination as to whether or not the headers are worth fixing and you have the resources and skill level necessary to get the job done. If the headers are worth keeping, DuSold Enterprises can perform the necessary repairs and charges are based on the time required to do it. Estimates are given over the phone, and once the header(s) and template are shipped in, a firm quote is provided.

If you are in the market for headers, research the available offerings carefully and have a cylinder-head template prepared to bolt up to the header as soon as the box arrives. If the ports aren’t aligned to your satisfaction, contact the manufacturer and return the headers. If a second set from the same manufacturer has the same problems, either switch brands or determine if it is cost-effective to fix the headers, over having a custom set manufactured.

Pontiac headers are notoriously difficult to install, especially on well-equipped street cars, so it would be a shame to go through the time, money, and effort to install them, only to end up with no gains in performance. If you already have headers installed and want to maximize their efficiency, create a template and see how they align. You might be pleasantly surprised or “red-faced” angry, but the only way to know for sure is to give it a try.